Speaking at the celebration in Kigali, Major General Alex Kagame, Chief of Staff of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Reserve Force, congratulated the Chinese government and the PLA, describing the army as a modern force that has contributed to international peace and security.
Maj Gen Kagame said Rwanda values its longstanding friendship with China, noting that defence cooperation between the two countries has grown over the years.
“China’s consistent support in professional military education and specialized training has made meaningful contributions to the continued development of RDF capabilities,” he said.
He added that Rwanda remains committed to strengthening cooperation with China, highlighting the importance of collaboration between the two armed forces in responding to complex and interconnected challenges amid an evolving international security environment.
“This reality underscored the importance of trusted partnerships that promote capacity building, professional excellence and collective efforts towards working with regional and international peace stability.
“Rwanda remains committed to working closely with China in pursuit of these shared objectives,” he noted.
The Chinese Defence Attaché to Rwanda, Senior Captain Li Dayi, said the PLA’s development has been guided by China’s commitment to peaceful development and its belief that peace and harmony among nations are essential.
He highlighted China’s contribution to global peacekeeping, noting that since joining UN peacekeeping operations in 1990, the Chinese military has deployed more than 50,000 peacekeepers to missions across more than 20 countries and regions.
Capt Li said China-Rwanda military cooperation has continued to grow through defence exchanges and expressed China’s commitment to further deepening the partnership.
“China is willing to work with Rwanda, guided by the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, to elevate the military-to-military relationship to a new level on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit,” he said.
He added that such cooperation would contribute to regional peace, stability and shared development.
The PLA was founded on August 1, 1927, and has since developed into one of the world’s largest military forces.
The anniversary celebration brought together government officials, diplomats, defence attachés, members of the Chinese community and friends to commemorate its history and achievements.
Photos from the celebration of the 99th anniversary of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in Kigali
Photos: Kwizera Hervé
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